Just wrapped up a case that makes my blood boil. PECO estimated readings for a manufacturing client in Norristown for 8 consecutive months. They claimed the meter was "inaccessible" but I walked right up to it - no obstructions, no locked gates. The estimates kept escalating each month, assuming 15% usage growth. By month 8, they were billing $3,200/month vs actual usage of $1,450. Total overbilling: $12,347. Anyone else seeing PECO get lazy with meter reads lately?
PECO estimated my client for 8 months straight - $12k error
Phil, that's insane but not surprising. APS here in Phoenix has been doing similar garbage. They estimate for "safety reasons" during summer months when temps hit 115+, then blame the heat for meter reader no-shows. I had a strip mall client get estimated for 6 months straight - $8k overbill. The kicker? The meter was in an air-conditioned utility room! These utilities are getting lazier and greedier by the year.
MLGW does the same thing here in Memphis. They'll estimate 3-4 months, then when they finally read, they hit you with a massive "catch-up" bill. I tell my clients to photograph their meters monthly now. The utility commission here is worthless - they just rubber stamp whatever MLGW wants. How did you get PECO to admit the error and refund?
Amir, I had to file a formal complaint with the PA PUC. PECO initially offered a $2,000 credit claiming their estimates were "reasonable". I provided 18 months of actual meter photos showing consistent usage patterns. The PUC ruled in our favor after 4 months. Key was proving the meter was accessible and showing their escalating estimate methodology was flawed. Worth the fight but shouldn't have taken 6 months total.
Georgia Power pulled this on a client's restaurant in Savannah - 5 months of estimates during their busy season. They assumed 20% month-over-month growth which was ridiculous. Actual usage was flat. $4,200 overbill that took 3 months to resolve. I've started putting "ESTIMATED BILL - DISPUTE IMMEDIATELY" stickers on all estimated bills I review. Clients need to challenge these right away.
FirstEnergy here in Cleveland has gotten worse since the merger. They estimate when it's "too cold" (below 20°F), "too hot" (above 85°F), or "weather conditions prevent safe access." That covers about 6 months of the year! I'm seeing 40% more estimation errors in 2013 vs 2011. The utilities know most customers won't fight it. That's where we come in.
The real problem is these utilities use estimation algorithms that assume growth when usage is typically seasonal or cyclical. I've seen Ameren Missouri estimate a grocery store's summer cooling at 25% higher than previous year without considering equipment upgrades or efficiency improvements. Always challenge the estimation methodology, not just the final number. Document everything and photograph those meters monthly!